Henry Vines

Henry Ellsworth Vines Jr. was an American tennis champion of the 1930s who was a dominant force as both an amateur and a professional player. He was ranked as the World No. 1 and won three major titles as an amateur before retiring from tennis to become a professional golfer.

Player Profile and Personal Life

Henry Ellsworth Vines Jr. was born on September 28, 1911, in Los Angeles, California, United States of America. He stands 189 cm tall, and he plays right-handed with a one-handed backhand.

A versatile athlete, he attended the University of Southern California on a basketball scholarship. He was also known for his powerful forehand and fast serve, both of which he hit flat with no spin. After his retirement from tennis, Vines pursued a career as a professional golfer. He passed away on March 17, 1994, at the age of 82.

Professional Career

Vines was a top player in the 1930s, ranked as the World No. 1 amateur in 1932. He won three major singles titles during his amateur career, capturing the U.S. National Championships in 1931 and 1932, and the Wimbledon Championships in 1932. In 1932, he became the first player since Bill Tilden in 1921 to win both the U.S. and Wimbledon singles titles in the same year.

He also won a women's doubles title at the Australian Open in 1933 and a mixed doubles title at the U.S. Open in 1933.

Vines turned professional in 1934 and continued his dominance on the professional tour. He won the Wembley Professional Championships in 1934 and 1935, the French Pro Championship in 1935, and the U.S. Pro Tennis Championships in 1939. He was ranked as the World No. 1 professional from 1934 to 1937.

He retired from professional tennis in 1940 and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1962.

Other Achievements

After his professional tennis career, Vines became a successful professional golfer. He turned professional in golf in 1942 and competed on the PGA Tour for 15 years, during which he won three titles.

His best result at a major golf championship was a semifinal appearance at the PGA Championship in 1951. He was in contention to win many other tournaments and was ranked as high as 12th on the money list in 1947.

Career Record

Singles

• Career record: 621–227 (73.2%)
• Career titles: 36
• Highest ranking: No. 1 (1932)

Best Grand Slam Singles Performances

• Australian Open – QF (1933)
• Wimbledon – W (1932)
• US Open – W (1931, 1932)

Doubles

Best Grand Slam Doubles Performances

• Australian Open – W (1933)
• US Open – W (1932)

Mixed Doubles

Best Grand Slam Mixed Doubles Performances

• US Open – W (1933)

Professional Majors

• U.S. Pro Tennis Championships – W (1939)
• Wembley Championships – W (1934, 1935)
• French Pro Championship – W (1935)